Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  A poormans Lexus - 2017 Toyota Highlander
  By RedSox Fan - February 9 - 12:52 pm

  Replaced the Lexus two days ago with this Highlander since we didnt like the styling of the latest RX350 ( even after owning an NX200t for two years). You can definitely see more hard plastic around the Toyota, but you also receive more goodies for the lower price and most impotantly, space. Lexus seems to be designed more for style than utility. Even though weve only put <100 miles on it, we can tell it will be a great highway cruiser. The panoramic sunroof is fantastic as is the stereo. Too bad we already have reliability concerns though. There is a rattling in the back that started yesterday that has become annoying to the point we dont want to use the car. And of course the dealership service is not available to look at it til Tuesday when I am back in the office. Not a good start at all especially considering the high priced paid. After owning 10 Toyotas and Lexus models, how this all plays out could decide if this is our final one for life.

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  Love my new car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Penny - February 9 - 12:30 pm

  I bought my Prius in April off the show room floor as I was working about 30 miles from home. I love the gas mileage I have been getting. Depending on how fast I drive, weather and weight, I have been averaging about 48-55 mpg. It is also fun to stop at the gas station and buy a pop instead of gas. I am not sorry I bought this. 2 of my co workers have also bought a hybrid as they were impressed with all the features, leg room, quiet, etc. Love it.

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  Car to keep into retirement - 2006 Toyota Highlander
  By Barry - February 9 - 12:03 pm

  After Lexus and Infiniti sedans, I choose a Highlander to keep when I retire in 5 years. Roomy, comfortable, great for trips to Home Depot. Also carries bikes and scuba gear. Carries a lot yet handles much better than our Jeep. Love the GPS. Good audio, seats, and climate. Good layout and controls. Wish it got better gas mileage.

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  Its the engine, stupid! - 2007 Toyota Camry
  By dwarn - February 9 - 11:16 am

  I debated whether to go 2006 or 2007, but when I saw the 3.5 V6 with VVT, and its impressive mpg projections, I was sold. Have had it for only 2 weeks now, but the ride is incredible, I am averaging 23.2 mpg in the city, and when I need to go, it goes! The new body design and advanced features made this more attractive than a 2006 Avalon, for several thousand less.

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  Love My New Car! - 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
  By lschaaf - February 9 - 10:50 am

  I was really excited to get this car, it was getting tough to find one on a dealer lot. Ive been averaging 42 MPG if I hit the highway and 33-35 mpg running errands around town. Plenty of power, we also have a 4 cyl Camry and it has a lot more get up and go than the 4 cyl.

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  I will never sell!! - 2006 Toyota RAV4
  By Love my RAV4 - February 9 - 9:33 am

  I have loved every momemt of my RAV4 ownership. There is plenty of power for zooming around, the sport suspension makes driving on bumpy dirtroads smooth, and the 4WD has already gotten me out of a couple of sticky situations like it was nothing. Perfect blend of fun and utility, exactly what I was looking for.

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  Love This Tuck - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jena42183 - February 9 - 7:30 am

  I just bought my 4Runner SR5 4x4 6cyl on Saturday at DCH Brunswick Toyota in N. Brunswick NJ. The dealership was great and gave us a good deal. I absolutely love the truck, its such a smooth ride for an SUV. Ive had a 2003 and 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee and this truck is 10x better. I will be back in another 3 years for another!

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  A Little Disappointing - 2006 Toyota Camry Solara
  By convertible guy - February 9 - 4:26 am

  I bought the Solara in August, and was having a blast putting the top down. At first, I thought it was the car for me! But when I figured out all of the problems, I decided otherwise. After two months, I kept getting water leakage in the interior. Now, I knew there would probably be a little bit considering it was a convertible, but I didnt know there would be drips and runs of water every time I washed it or drove it in the rain! Also, there is a significant blind spot in the rear! I dont feel very comfortable driving it not knowing whos behind me. I think that they should make the rear window larger like the old style of Solara.

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  You cant beat it! - 2007 Toyota Yaris
  By luckylady23 - February 8 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this car new in Sept of 07 and it was the best decision I could have made. Not only is it very reasonably priced, but you cant beat the gas mileage. I average 38-city and 43-hwy. It rides very smooth, easily gets up to highway speeds, there is a ton of room on the inside, big trunk and good sound system. Not to mention, you get Toyota excellent reliability. Im pretty sure the body will fall off before the engine dies!! Id say this is one of the best car you can buy right now!

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  Prius is Primo - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By luvslyfe - February 8 - 1:56 pm

  We bought this car just a month ago and love it. The power to be more than adequate; it handles well and provides a very comfortable ride. Its quiet and feels very solid on the road. Not much room for long legged passengers in the back seat, but ample cargo space, especially when the back seats are lowered. Controls take a little getting used to but quickly become second nature. We are so pleased with this vehicle that we are contemplating buying a second one. We live way out in the country so its quite a commute to get anywhere and its nice not to be hitting the gas pumps every few days. Its also fun to see the looks on peoples faces when the engine turns off at stop lights.